Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Has Our National Nightmare Just Begun?

I had another post planned for today, but somehow, it no longer seems to work.

Translation: God Forgive America

Last night, Collin and I were shocked by the results of our Presidential election--but now that I've had some sleep, some time to think about it, I'm not shocked at all. The signs were there all along. The dissatisfaction with politics as usual in our country has been apparent for a long time. The fear felt by so many has been no secret. I've lost track of how many people--myself included--have openly stated we've had it with political correctness. The idea of thousands of Syrian refugees being brought into the US terrifies many, who wonder how many of them could be sent by ISIS. There are millions of people who resent that illegal immigrants come into our country and receive benefits that should be reserved for our citizens and legal immigrants. There's conflict over gay and transgender rights taking priority over others. Public restrooms have become a hot topic. Gay marriage could have been accepted as a matter of live and let live, but it didn't end there. Evangelical Christians, whose beliefs prohibit them from taking part in a gay marriage ceremony, found themselves forced to do so as caterers, wedding planners, etc. To refuse too often resulted in lawsuits that forced some of them out of business.

Personally, I wouldn't want someone planning or catering my wedding if they felt so strongly opposed to me or to it. I'd just find another bakery, caterer, or wedding planner. Sadly, this has created even more conflict. Live and let live hasn't been an option.

The people demanded change, and last night, we got it. Both The Daily Show and Stephen Colbert's Showtime election night special were planned to poke fun at the end of this long and often hostile campaign--but found themselves struggling to find humor in the early returns. I think everyone saw early on how it was going to end.

We had as our choices for President the two most unpopular candidates on record--but there was a decided difference. Those who did support Donald Trump were wildly enthusiastic and hopeful. Most of those who supported Hillary Clinton were doing so begrudgingly, having had their candidate of choice, Senator Bernie Sanders, eliminated by the machinations of the DNC in general and one Debbie Wasserman-Schultz specifically. There's no substitute--no fanfare, no celebrity appearances, nothing--for genuine enthusiastic followers.The lines were long at the polls yesterday. It started to rain as we were leaving our polling place. I feel like the time we spent waiting to vote was wasted. But at least I got lunch at Taco Bell.So where do we go from here? Collin says he's willing to take President-elect Trump at his word and hope he means what he says about doing what's best for our country. America has survived a great deal. Will we survive this as well? I hope so. I hope Mr. Trump delivers on his promises to bring change for the better. I guess it's a matter of viewpoint. Only time will tell.

You write in a few lines what it takes me three pages to say.I agree with everything you have said. To the political liberal east and west Middle America and the Southwest is a no man'.s land of no importance that they can talk AT and give no respect to.Well they should have seen what was coming and didn't. One of the late night talking heads said the best comment ever and if I can find it I will post it.I hope for the best but my son is horrified.

I was stunned by this. Wondering if Russia didn't tweak something for him. Who knows? But the way you've put it, we'll see. For one thing, I was super upset at what I was expected to pay for health care this time around. I guess that's no longer something I need to worry about.BTW love your new background, Norma!